It should always be looked upon with favor. Working collaboratively brings so many positive results. It is not that there are always the best outcomes but taking time to work with others has great benefits. Sometimes fast!
It was once said that “joining forces with others can bring big rewards.” No one knows this better than those serving in leadership roles. Their very survival depends upon the ability to work with others.
Take for example that leaders must have followers. Having a group of people to come behind or follow up makes them better leaders. There are people who track that person’s decisions, strategic planning, and next steps. Perhaps they are there watching every move in hopes to glean or learn something in their own leadership journey.
Also, leaders are powerful with taking time to build alliances. Everyday leaders must take time to bridge gaps, strengthen ties, and reinforce partnerships. This is not to say that they are keenly aware of this necessity but rather that they do it quite by default. Frequently leaders realize that they must be intertwined with those they serve and the causes for which they advocate. To do this requires time out to secure the base and join forces.
Finally, collaboration takes only a minimal effort. This could be a leader taking time to weigh in on a decision. Or it could be the profound leader who makes efforts to partner despite differences of opinion. Regardless, of the objective being keenly aware of doing just a little working cooperatively with others will likely have positive results.
In the end, leaders who make the decision to put their best foot forward to join forces will go miles in the long run.
-Dawn McCoy, author of Leadership Building Blocks: An Insider’s Guide to Success
